Senate honors members’ deceased loved ones

Rex Neal Van de Putte, the grandson of Sen. Leticia Van de Putte, died this month.

Before the Senate gaveled out for the 83rd legislative session, it paused to remember deceased relatives of two Senators and the Senate Secretary in three separate resolutions.

In solemn speeches, lawmakers remembered Rex Neal Van de Putte, the infant grandson of Sen. Leticia Van de Putte; Remarcus West, son of Sen. Royce West and Gregory Shaw, son of secretary Patsy Shaw. Before the senate unanimously adopted the resolutions, Sen. John Whitmire, D-Houston, said, “You and your families have suffered unbearable losses, and we hold each of you in our thoughts and prayers.”

Sen. Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, said Rex was “an adorable baby boy with beautiful blue eyes and a winsome smile – Rex was a charmer.” He died suddenly at five months old in May.

Remarcus West, 33, died in 2011 of a gastrointestinal condition. He was “devoted to his parents, siblings and friends,” said Sen. Jane Nelson, and “will long be remembered with affection and appreciation by all who were privileged to know him.”

Senate Secretary Patsy Spaw’s son, Gregory, died in a vehicle crash in November.

Nelson said a scholarship had been established for West at the University of North Texas to “help students surmount their own obstacles.”

Also remembered was Gregory Steven Spaw, 40, who died in November in a single-vehicle crash. The son of secretary Patsy Spaw, he left behind seven children, said Sen. Kevin Eltife, R-Tyler, and was a baseball enthusiast who “loved animals, flowers, trees and the spring rain.”

Regardless of their age, Eltife said, “the death of a child is an unbelievable tragedy, and their premature passing leaves a void in the lives of those near and dear to them.”

Van de Putte thanked her peers, and said that their love and support was “exactly why this Senate is so very special, and unlike any other legislative body. You are not just my colleagues, you are my family, and you showed it. For that I will be eternally grateful.”

West also rose to speak on the resolution.

“Members,” he said before he was overcome with emotion, “I just can’t at this moment. Thank you.”